Our Story
Affirmation and Inclusion
Living in the farthest parts of San Diego, we know the impact of not having resources or LGBTQ+ representation in our communities. Our children face cultural barriers on top of struggling to exist in their identities.
We decided rather than be upset, we could provide opportunities ourselves, with an understanding of what our youth need.
We reached out to National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, who gave us our first yes, after which Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and San Diego City leaders all committed to helping us create spaces that were inclusive and safe for our youth.
We have grown from the five youths who came to our initial Rainbow Swim at Loma Verde pool in the summer of 2021 to the hundreds of families all over San Diego County who have enjoyed our free events.
Every one of our events is open to every inclusive youth up to age 24 because we know that our identities are intersectional, and often a path still being taken.
By making our events free, accessible via public transportation, and in the South and East County communities, we are determined to grow with purpose and a promise that no space should feel inaccessible for our LGBTQ+ youth.
OUR FIVE COMMITMENTS
Rainbow Spaces is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all. We focus on community investment and collaboration to create impactful outreach programs.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
INCLUSIVITY
ACCESSIBILITY
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
PURPOSEFUL OUTREACH
Meet the Rainbow Spaces Board
Community Leaders and Advocates
Our Board Members volunteer their time and efforts to create inclusive spaces for every LGBTQIA+ and affirming youth
Board President
PAUL AMMONS
He/ Him
Paul has been part of the Rainbow Spaces board for 3 years.
Vice President
LINA MOHI
She/ Her
Lina is a mental health therapist and has spent her life working and volunteering in the community. She has dedicated her time to fighting for the freedom of all people but especially women and children.
Member at Large
MEESH MORI
They/ Them
Meesh works in public health, specifically in the harm reduction realm. They are dedicated to creating more spaces for youth and the community at large to come together to share joy, connection, and healing.
Member at Large
JUAN REYNOSO
He/ They/ El
Juan Is a Kumeyaay Two-Spirit Educator and Cultural Storyteller from the San Pasqual Band. He brings more than 2 decades of experience working with special populations from diverse backgrounds and abilities. He is also the cofounder of The Queer Sol Collective.
Member at Large
VANESSA PINEDA
She/ They
Vanessa Is multi generational Mexican and Queer. She holds a masters in social work and has been passionately working in the field at a variety of levels. They are skilled in team building, program design, mental health education & facilitation. Vanessa appreciates camping, traveling and learning more about DnD with their chosen family.
Member at Large
MARCUS FISHER
Marcus, AKA Marcus Keys, is a former World Cub and San Diego Mr. Cub, where he utilized his title to bring awareness to the mental health barriers for Queer youth. His activism is driven by his own Mexican-American background.
Meet our Executive Director
NADIA KEAN-AYUB
She/ Her/ Ella
Nadia Kean-Ayub founded Rainbow Spaces in 2021 as an effort to ensure youth from all backgrounds would have support and Pride in who they are.
Nadia continues her dedication to her community by serving both as a board member on the 2-Spirit-led non-profit The Queer Sol Collective, and as a member of the Advocacy Committee of Latina-founded MANA of San Diego.
She is a former City of Chula Vista Human Relations commissioner and County of San Diego CLERB Board member. Nadia's commitment to community-first advocacy led her to be one of the semi-finalists for the 2026 Nancy Jamison Fund for Social Justice. She attributes all recognition to her perseverance as a mother and her first-generation Mexican/Lebanese upbringing.
Our Community Support
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